Inside Behavior Analysis
Volume 3 | 2011 | Number 2 | Online ISSN: 2151-4704
Dissemination of Behavior Analysis
By Josh Pritchard
Our science is one whose potential to impact the world far outweighs its visibility to the lay population. It is the goal of this special interest group to close that gap. As the autism frenzy booms, we are seeing more and more recognition of treatment based in applied behavior analysis. This is very good news for us, as we see more and more action supporting our science such as legislation mandating insurance coverage and licensure laws protecting consumers and our professionals. While this is, in general, a good thing it can also have some detrimental effects on the field, if we are not careful to make known our ability to help in other areas of life. We run the risk of people viewing applied behavior analysis solely as a treatment for autism. Fortunately, 2010 saw several popular media outlets covering behavior analytic treatment approaches to things other than autism. The members of the Dissemination of Behavior Analysis (DBA) SIG have been busy this year promoting more of these types of approaches.
Our listserv has been busy with over 350 threads this year, many of them highlighting good media coverage, asking for letters to the editor and authors supporting this behavior, and in general providing support for those trying to get the science out there.
This year, we instituted the B. F. Skinner Journalism Award to reinforce good journalism about behavior analysis. Details can be found here: http://aboutbehavior.com/BFSAward2010.pdf. Happily, we have selected a winner for 2011—David Freedman. David wrote an article in Scientific American titled, "How to Fix the Obesity Crisis," in which he discusses the current state of science on obesity and losing weight. He concludes that behavioral weight-loss approaches are the most successful and cites B. F. Skinner and his development of our science. He goes on to feature prominent scientists in our field: Michael Cameron, Matt Normand, and Richard Fleming. Congratulations to David and a big thank you for shedding light on the great work being done by Drs. Cameron, Normand, and Fleming.
Additionally, DBA SIG member Benjamin Witts (doctoral student at the University of Nevada, Reno) began a podcast in which he has had five shows featuring interviews with the field's leaders on topics ranging from the nature versus nurture debate, safe driving, and effective teaching strategies. Additionally, Matt Normand is featured in one of the shows to talk about his work on obesity. These podcasts can be found at http://aboutbehavior.com/podcasts/.
Finally, Amanda Kelly created and maintains a DBA SIG Facebook page, with over 100 fans, and is working on an overhaul of the website. The DBA SIG Facebook page is located at www.facebook.com/pages/Dissemination-of-Behavior-Analysis-DBA-SIG/163639323680055.
This year, the DBA SIG has been busy trying to promote our science in a positive light. We have had much more substantive membership help, raised some money through our value-based dues, and made our first B. F. Skinner Journalism Award. We are proud of the work of all of our members, and plan to continue highlighting the work done by anyone in our field. If you have ideas to enhance the public view of our science, please get in touch and share. Joining our listserv is free and easy; just point your browser to www.aboutbehavior.com/listserv.php, and fill in the information!